COAS orders completion of barracks housing, unveils post-service accommodation drive

COAS orders completion of barracks housing, unveils post-service accommodation drive

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the speedy completion of all ongoing residential accommodation projects in Nigerian Army barracks nationwide to address housing shortfalls among personnel.

Shaibu gave the directive on Thursday while addressing participants at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 in Abuja.

He said improving troop welfare, particularly accommodation, remained a core component of his command priorities and a continuation of efforts initiated by past Chiefs of Army Staff.

“In line with our welfare commitments to all Nigerian Army personnel, I shall continue to build on the efforts of past Chiefs of Army Staff in addressing the crisis of accommodation shortages,” he said.

The COAS disclosed that all ongoing housing projects would be completed and allocated promptly, while new residential projects would be initiated across divisions and barracks nationwide.

“As a stopgap measure, the Nigerian Army will be investing in a more comprehensive spread of renovation works in all our barracks,” Shaibu added.

He acknowledged that despite progress made so far, significant gaps remained, which required deliberate and sustained intervention.

Beyond in-service accommodation, the COAS said the Army would continue to prioritise post-service housing for soldiers and officers to ensure dignity and stability after retirement.

“With all these efforts aimed at addressing existing accommodation shortfalls, we will continue to strike a balance by also securing post-service housing for all our soldiers and officers,” he said.

Shaibu announced that he would be in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday for the commissioning of the Affordable Home Ownership Option (AHOO) project for soldiers, as well as the Post-Service Housing Development Limited shopping complex.

“Under my watch, the post-service housing needs of all our soldiers will remain a top priority, with due attention to the completion of ongoing projects,” he assured.

The COAS expressed confidence that the housing schemes would significantly alleviate accommodation challenges faced by serving and retired personnel, describing them as a critical component of the Army’s broader welfare architecture.

He commended the Chief of Logistics (Army) and other Commanders for their contributions, and reiterated his resolve to confront accommodation challenges “head on with all the seriousness it deserves.”

COAS orders completion of barracks housing, unveils post-service accommodation drive